Dick Vitale Gala expected to raise $2 million

Sarasota, FL-- The 8th Annual Dick Vitale Gala on Friday was expected to raise $2 million for pediatric cancer research.

The popular ESPN College Basketball Analyst invited more than 70 sports celebrities, to the Gala at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota. The event sold out, with more than 800 people filling the hotel ballroom.

Over the 8 years of the Gala, Dick Vitale has raised $10 million for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, specifically pediatric cancer. Much of the money stays local, going to facilities such as All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg and the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa.

"Dick Vitale is such an amazing man," said Susan Braun, CEO of The V Foundation. "He and Lorraine and their team raise funds for The V Foundation all year, tirelessly. We are grateful beyond description for all of Dick's work on behalf of the V Foundation."